S02 RFI Questions.pdf

Solicitation questions for Renovate Patient Privacy

Project # 658-18-101

1. Page ID101, room finish schedule indicates CT-02 on accent wall. However, no accent wall is indicated on the drawings, nor was I able to find any elevations within the drawings.

Response: ID101 is a Demolition Drawings; the accent wall is to be removed.

2. Drawing MH601 Note 10: The Building Web based DDC system shall be integrated with the Campus wide Energy Control Management System (ECMS). Since the entire campus wide EMCS at Salem VA is manufactured and maintained by Siemens Industry, Inc., is it safe to assume the VA will want the controls for this project to be an extension of the Siemens system, versus a third party vendor attempting to integrate the existing system?

Response: Refer to the note.

3. Is there any time or day restrictions for the elevator use?

Response: Refer to Specification 1.16 on page 01 00 00 – 17

4. Where will the dumpster be able to be placed?

Response: Refer to Specification; the Contractor has to coordinate this type of housekeeping question with the COR. It will be on Government property.

5. Is there any on site storage for materials? (mechanical rooms or basement) Response: Refer to Specification 1.6 on page 01 00 00 – 5

6. The specifications reference in 01 32 16.15 (Section 1.6C) that the schedule is to be cost loaded included any asbestos abatement. The bid documents do not include any environmental reports. Is there asbestos-containing material (ACM) within the limits of work? Should it be anticipated to encounter ACM as part of the project scope?

Response: See attached HazMat Report.

7. The words and numbers for construction duration for the Deduct Alternates, Numbers 1, 2, 3 & 4, in Section 01 00 00 do not match nor do they coincide with the solicitation. Please clarify the durations of these Deduct Alternates.

Response: Duration is based on the Means and Methods the construction contractor selects; time to complete of the Deductive Alternates is included in the estimated construction period timeline.

8. There is no Section 1.5C in Specification 01 00 00. Is 1.5C not included or was it omitted.

Response: The provision, 1.5C, regard the Contractor Provided Guards was deleted during the 100% Submission Review. The paragraph identification is incorrect. It should have listed 1.5C and identified as Omitted.

9. There is no Section 1.6I in Specification 01 00 00. Is 1.6I not included or was it omitted.

Response: Omitted; see MedGas Spec for details.

10. Section 1.17 in Specification 01 00 00 states “Contractor may be allowed the use of existing elevators” however it also states that exterior “hoist shall be used by the Contractor for transporting materials and equipment”. Use of elevators, even during off hours (e.g., nights and weekends) to transport materials readily fitting within the elevator car(s) would likely reduce cost that will otherwise be added to the project if all materials and equipment must be brought to the fourth [4th] floor work area using an exterior hoist. Would use of the elevators be considered transporting material such as drywall, acoustical tile and/or floor tile to the work area?

Response: Specification was drafted with the intention that material would be transported by contractor provided hoist. This is a VAMC/COR coordination item to be addressed.

11. Section 1.25A in Specification 01 00 00 states “Contractor shall provide 14 square meters (150 square feet) of space accessible from ground level without use of elevators for storage certain materials and equipment by” the Owner. Later Section 1.25A(2) indicates that this space is to be turned over to the Owner prior to completion of the project. Is the intention of this ‘space’ requirement to be within the limits of work or a separate storage area such as a connex?

Response: Separate storage area.

12. In Section 1.9A Photographic Documentation of Specification 01 00 00 there is reference to a commercial photographer or subcontractor meaning presumably a third [3rd] party must take all images required for photographic documentation. Section 1.9A(1) goes on to cite a minimum of three [3] years minimum experience. Considering advancements with photographic technology and equipment along with the ability to view pictures immediately after being taken using digital cameras is the use of commercial photographer or other third [3rd] party necessary?

Response: This is a VAMC/COR coordination item to be addressed with the selected Contractor during construction, but assume “YES”,

13. Section 1.4A of Specification 01 32 16.15 references “the scheduling software approved by the Contracting Officer”. While 01 32 16.15 goes into extensive detail on monthly schedule update procedures as well as information of schedule information that must be provided in conjunction with payment application this Specification does not state any scheduling software acceptable to the Contracting Officer or any programs that would be approved. Please clarify whether a specific software program(s) must be used or if the only criteria for approval is a program that will provide a conventional Critical Path Method (CPM) technique.

Contractor during construction.

14. Specification 01 33 23 Section 1.10A states shop drawings, schedules, manufacturer’s literature & data and certificates must be submitted in quadruplicate however Section

1.3 of this same specification requires all submittals except physical samples to be made electronically via Procore in a cloud based environment. The stipulation of Section 1.10E also run counter to the guidance in Section 1.3 for electronic submittals. Please clarify the procedure to be used to make submittal for this project.

15. Specification 01 35 26 Section 1.12H(5) states that debris cannot be hauled through patient care areas without prior approval. Should we consider that approval will be granted to do so as long as adherence to the protective measure described further in this same section is maintained?

Contractor during construction, but do NOT assume approval will be granted.

16. Section 1.19 D(2)(a) of Specification 01 35 26 states “Crane operators shall not carry loads over any occupied building unless the top two [2] floors are vacated”. It is possible to boom into the east side of Zone J from the courtyard over the first [1st] floor meaning the de facto result is two [2] vacated floors underneath the lift and swing to move material into Zone J on the fourth [4th] floor via an existing window. Will this method be considered acceptable to the COR and Medical Center as part of a detailed lift permit and subsequently be approved?

Response: This is a VAMC/COR coordination item to be addressed. During design comment review sessions, both the A/E and VAMC discussed and accepted the use of this technique.

17. Section 1.23E in Specification 01 35 26 says top steps or cap of step ladders shall not be used as a step. Please confirm that this requirement does apply to podium ladders based upon their configuration and design intent.

18. What kind of curb is EF-1 and EF-2 being installed on, rail curbs or roof curbs?

Response: Roof.

19. Is this project sales tax exempt? If the project is sales tax exempt can the government provide a sales tax exemption certificate?

Response: Virginia does not exempt material from sales tax. See FAR 29.303

20. Where will the designated parking area be for workers accessing the construction site?

Response: Response: This is a VAMC/COR coordination item to be addressed with the selected Contractor during construction. On govt premise. See specification 01 00 00 1.5

21. Does the Government have a fire alarm servicer that they currently work with? What is the name and contact information of the person or persons that will need to be coordinated with for security and fire alarm and suppression systems work and/or disruptions?

22. Has the work area been checked for asbestos?

Response: Yes; see attached HazMat Report.

23. What is the Governments’ policy if asbestos products are encountered during construction?

24. Does the Government currently have a 3rd party testing service for those items requiring testing or is the contractor free to locate and hire applicable testing firms?

Response: Design Documents specify who is responsible for 3rd Party Testing. VAMC requires the construction contractor to hire the 3rd party tester unless otherwise specified in the Design Documents.

25. Due to current potentially significant tariffs being placed on the importation of building materials such as wood or steel by the current Presidential Executive Branch, if a tariff is placed after bid time and before award will the government consider a price escalation on a contract value for products such as steel or wood should the executive branch levee tariffs effecting such materials? Most of these materials would still have been Buy American compliant as the tariffs would increase pricing on all steel or wood materials, regardless of origin.

Response: Yes, in accordance with FAR 52.229-3

26. Is AISC (American Iron and Steel Certification) required for the steel fabrication and/or installation for this project?

Response: Yes, refer to Design Specification.

27. Describe any and all tasks that may be required for this project as it relates to infectious control?

Response: Refer to Design Documents.

28. What is the level of infectious disease control rating for this site? May the Superintendent be dual hatted to serve as the SSHO provided they meet the specified requirements for both?

Response: Refer to the Design Documents. See spec 01 35 26 1.7 Superintendent may serve as SSHO if approved by COR.

29. Detail 1/QH101 has a note stating “CABINETRY/SHELVING BY OWNER. COORDINATE WITH OWNER”. Please clarify if note is intended to mean ALL casework for this project is owner furnished & installed. Apparently, Project# 658-317 Consolidate Intensive Care Unit (ICU) - Salem, VA at this same VAMC but different architect the bid documents indicate all casework is by the owner. Doue to both projects being put out at the same time the note on Detail 1/QH101 is causing some confusion with our millwork subcontractors. Please clarify if the intent is all millwork is by owner, or just the modular millwork/furniture by owner.

Response: GFM is very limited and only applies to modular millwork/furniture.

30. Does Specification Section 01 3526 - 1.19 D(2)(a) apply to forktrucks, such as a Lull or similar brand, as well as cranes or does it apply exclusively to cranes with only applicable OSHA sections be pertinent to forktrucks?

Response: Specification applies to material handling equipment.

31. Specification Section 01 74 19 - 1.2C references lead paint along with Specification 02 83

33.13 – Lead Based Paint Removal and Disposal however this specification section (i.e. 02 83 33.13 – Lead Based Paint Removal and Disposal) is not included in the Specification Book nor elsewhere in the bidding documents. Does the lack of 02 83 33.13 – Lead Based Paint Removal and Disposal within the bidding documents mean that there is no lead base paint (LBP) on the project and therefore the cost of remediation and subsequent not part of the work scope?

Response: Refer to Hazardous Material Report; Lead Based Paint not detected during survey/sampling.

32. Specification Section 07 22 00 – 1.5 references other Division 7 roofing section(s) for Installer Qualifications. Is 07 22 00 referencing 07 81 00 – Applied Fireproofing, 07 92 00

– Joint Sealants or another Division 7 section with respect to qualifications of the installer for the roof & deck insulation?

Response: refer to Specification; installer requires manufacturer certification.

Response: refer to Specification; installer requires manufacturer certification.